panthers provide injury update on two star backs, seven…

The Penrith Panthers have confirmed that Nathan Cleary will make his return to the NRL this weekend – 10 weeks after he aggravated a hamstring injury in Round 10. The superstar halfback hasn’t played since he damaged his hamstring again in May while playing the Bulldogs, but is set for a return against the Dolphins on Sunday after being named in the Panthers’ starting 13 in their team list reveal on Tuesday afternoon.

Cleary strained his hamstring in Round 3, and only played one full game before hurting it again in Round 10. The Panthers have decided to play it very safe with their star halfback, however he’s set to return to the No.7 role to partner Brad Schneider in the halves. Regular No.6 Jarome Luai has been named among the reserves along with Brian To’o and Liam Martin but fellow Penrith Origin stars Isaah Yeo and fullback Dylan Edwards have been rested by coach Ivan Cleary.

The 10-week break came at the perfect time for Cleary in his personal life, as it meant he got to spend more time with girlfriend Mary Fowler than he normally would. Fowler has been back in Australia since the end of May after her Women’s Super League season ended in heartbreak.

She only jetted back out last week and headed to Spain for the Matildas’ training camp before the Paris Olympics. Fowler played in Australia’s friendly with Canada in Spain last weekend, and is now preparing to head to Paris for the Games.

It means Cleary and Fowler got to spend around two months together before they had to start their sporting commitments again. The superstar couple have been posting a number of photos on social media, which show them enjoying romantic getaways and relaxing get-togethers during their downtime.